Posted on 02/20/2006 6:46:42 PM PST by Flavius
INGAPORE--(MARKET WIRE)--Feb 20, 2006 -- Metal Storm Limited (Metal Storm) (NasdaqSC:MTSX - News) (Australia:MST.AX - News) and Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited (EOS) (Australia:EOS.AX - News) today announced the unveiling of the Redback Weapon System prototype at the Asian Aerospace and Asian Defense Technology Exhibitions in Singapore.
Source: Metal Storm Limited
(click to enlarge)
Redback(TM) is the first weapon system prototype to be produced from the collaboration between Metal Storm and EOS under a Teaming Agreement signed by the two companies in November 2005 to co-develop and market new weapon systems combining the unique features and benefits of EOS' combat-proven sensor and fire control systems with the versatility and firepower of Metal Storm weapons.
Redback(TM) is a lightweight, fast-reaction, remotely operated, weapon system. It is designed to provide intense directed firepower for short periods in applications such as vehicle protection, convoy defense, perimeter control, robotic systems and area denial.
The system is designed to include the following features and benefits:
-- Firepower. Redback(TM) deploys multiple 40mm Metal Storm barrels firing a range of munitions at selectable rates of fire, including the ability to engage up to 3 targets in 1.2 seconds. With EOS precision sensors and control systems, this results in intense directed firepower. -- Light. Redback(TM) will be available in system weights from 70-100 kg - less than one conventionally equipped combatant. -- Fast. Redback(TM) control and servo systems will allow multiple threats to be engaged, fast enough to engage incoming missiles and projectiles for vehicle defense. -- Intelligent. Redback(TM) has proven EOS networking capabilities that allow multiple systems to operate with a coordinated response to large threats. -- Versatile. Redback(TM) can carry a mixed load of munitions to allow non-lethal and lethal response at the same time. This range of response is an unmet market need for peacekeeping missions and urban warfare with non- combatants present.
Redback(TM) has successfully test-fired 40mm munitions jointly developed by ST Kinetics and Metal Storm. In a related development, Metal Storm this week announced the successful firing of jointly developed high explosive, enhanced blast and airburst rounds with ST Kinetics in Singapore. These munitions are compatible with Redback(TM), and add significantly to the versatility of the weapon system.
The Redback(TM) development effort is on schedule for customer trials this year with the objective of having it operationally ready by the end of 2007.
The Chief Executive Officer of Metal Storm, Mr. David Smith, said, "The unveiling of Redback is another major milestone for Metal Storm because it represents our first true product offering to the market. I am delighted with the progress we have made in our collaboration with EOS. Together with the munitions we are jointly developing with ST Kinetics here in Singapore we have unique capabilities we can market to defense customers around the world."
The Chief Executive Officer of EOS, Dr. Ben Greene, said, "Redback is designed to meet an urgent need for defense of convoys and individual vehicles, often in peacekeeping roles. The mixed-mission capability and intense firepower of Redback will be welcomed by our customers internationally."
Time to get plasma rifles in the 30 watt range.
They're in my head!
Link them to the Skynet system.
I don't trust Skynet. Humans should remain in the loop.
The movie Terminator is becoming reality!!!
Ouch!
We may not have a choice. Humans controlling machines are still too slow for many situations.
"We may not have a choice. Humans controlling machines are still too slow for many situations."
Bingo! A situation that will eventually lead to a computer takeover of the world.
OMG! This must be the technological energy breakthrough Bush was talking about!
All you oil are belong to us!
TO BE Really impressed go to metalstorm.com and look at all of their videos. They will change the face of war. They have a system to put land mines out of business.
We need to keep the computers in a state that we can shut them off. Other nations will develop and deploy Skynet like defense systems. We should do so as well. However, we should keep nuclear weapons systems in the hands of human controllers.
ping
You remembered! You're amazing.
"However, we should keep nuclear weapons systems in the hands of human controllers."
Sounds good theoretically. What happens if another nation is utilizing a fully automated system to control their war fighting capability? We would eventually have to make a choice between military defeat and shifting over to a fully automated system ourselves. At least, that is how it seems to me.
Fortunately, this problem would be far in the future as we currently have no real competition.
Saw this last night on TV. That is some scary-ass technology.
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